28 arrested in Franklin Countys biggest drug raid

Drug raids Wednesday across Franklin County resulted in the arrest of 28 suspects, with 14 additional arrests pending.

Police said 15 to 18 of those arrested were reported as drug dealers during a news conference at the Franklin County Courthouse.

According to Franklin County District Attorney Derek P. Champagne, there has been a significant increase in attempts at establishing organized heroin and cocaine supply networks across the county and north country in the past two years.

Since the last time we asked the public for assistance, we have received countless tips and information regarding narcotics. Information has included names, license plate numbers, addresses, names of dealers, names of high-volume users and a wealth of information, Mr. Champagne said. Some say it takes a community to raise a child; well, it takes a community to keep our children off drugs.

Malone Village Police Chief Chris Premo described Malones biggest drug problem as Suboxone, a drug used to treat chronic pain and opioid dependence.

Prescription drugs are out of control in the village here, and in other communities too, Mr. Premo said.

Among the agencies involved in the raids were the Franklin County District Attorneys Office, St. Lawrence County District Attorneys Office, Franklin County Sheriffs Office, New York State Police, Malone Police Department, Saranac Lake Police Department, Tupper Lake Police Department, St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security.

Among the arrests were the following residents of the Times coverage area:

n Scott D. Baker, 28, Tupper Lake, third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance  two counts of heroin and one count of Fentanyl  and three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance  heroin and Fentanyl. He was indicted and sent to Franklin County jail without bail.

n Michael J. Delair, 39, Tupper Lake, third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance  two counts heroin  and criminal possession of a controlled substance  two counts heroin. He was indicted and sent to Franklin County jail without bail.

n Nichole M. Thomas, 25, Moira, fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance  hydrocodone  and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance  hydrocodone. She was sent to Franklin County jail without bail.

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